I first came across Rob Mulally when I shot an early morning sunrise with another equally talented creative who raved about how skilled this guy was as a photographer. Being the curious bean that I am; I jumped onto the gram and was instantly in awe at the creativity of what I saw. Some of the images on his feed are only concepts that I can only aspire to achieve – if you don’t believe me then check it out for yourself @RobMulally.
If there ever was a technical question behind photography that you’d like to know then Rob here is your guy and if you’ve been following him for the last few months then you’ll know that he’s been sharing tips with those looking to up their photography game. So let’s spend ten minutes with the guy behind the lens and marvel in the reverie he creates everyday.
Ten Minutes with Photographer Rob Mulally
Tell us about the first job you’ve ever had.
My first job was a paperboy and my first photography job was an influencer paid post job for Vivid Sydney.
What industry were you working in before you decided to become a full-time creative?
I quit my Tech Services/IT job in November 2015; I was working in the industry for 13 years.
What made you take the leap?
I’m not sure I had a choice, I was obsessed with photography and social media, I spent a lot of time talking to people who were full time and decided to just go for it.
Where do you imagine you’d be right now if you hadn’t?
In an office begging my boss to let me have more time off to chase a job that I was offered.
Tell us about the best project you’ve worked on so far and why was it your favourite?
Without overthinking it, Vanauatu Tourism, I was with a group, not only was it an amazing place and culture, but experiencing a volcano up close and personal, riding horses on the beach, and swimming in beautiful water holes… Those trips are tiring and you have a lot of pressure to “create” so you’re always on the go, but to be doing that as ‘work’ is incredible.
What lessons have you learnt from being in this industry?
One of the overlooked things is your reputation, it is really important, both for creators and clients, its such small highly connected community that it is just as important to be a good reliable and kind person as it is to create amazing content, focus on what you do and let others burn their own bridges.
How has your creative process changed over time and where do you find inspiration?
My process continually evolves, the desire to create new/different images means that I have to always see what’s new, is it a new app/tool/lens/location the fun part of photography. This year I would say that the introduction of the drone, and the working on colours more in post production has added some new ways I can create engaging content and also continue to create content for clients regardless of previously limiting conditions.
What is the biggest pet peeve you see in photography that drives you nuts?
I don’t have one really but if I had to pick it would be non-straight horizons.
The best photography advice you could give to someone starting out would be…
You don’t know what you don’t know, learn, listen, collaborate – photography is a cycle of just getting in and doing it (shoot, edit, review/post). It’s only by doing this over and over you start to learn, I’ll often still watch photography 101 videos while editing just to see a different perspective.
Describe yourself in three words.
Optimistic, Creative, Nerd
What is your spirit animal and why?
White Bellied Sea Eagle, It’s a spectacular creature, lives its life soaring over epic locations and does its own thing.
Your go-to camera of choice is…
I have a Sony A7RII for Stills and GH5 for Video.
If you could pack your bags and move to any city right now, where would it be and why?
Today I’ll say Porto, Portugal. Its an amazing city, that need my help to drink all the coffee and take photos of the city and coastline nearby. Do yourself a favor ad google the bridge.
Tell us something about yourself that others might find quirky.
I talk in my sleep… a lot….about nerdy stuff.
What exciting plans have you got for 2018?
This year I plan to visit the USA fingers crossed for a bit of a road trip! I’m talking to a few brands already about getting them on-board so fingers crossed.
Quick Fire
- Coffee or tea? Coffee
- Pizza or pasta? Pizza
- Dogs or cats? Cats
- Paris or New York? Paris
- Summer or winter? Winter
- Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus? Who?
- Canon or Nikon? Sony
- Adidas or Nike? Paladium
- Ocean or Mountains? Mountains
- Favourite colour? Red
- Favourite food? Kebab
- Favourite show? Black Mirror
- Favourite restaurant/café in Sydney? City Extra 24hours 😊
- Best concert you’ve attended? Muse
- Favourite book? The unbearable lightness of being – Milan Kundera
- Favourite city in the world? Lisbon
- Best Disney film? Pirates of the Caribbean
- If you could be any Disney character who would you be? Jack Sparrow
- What super power would you like to have? Teleportation
- Favourite Marvels superhero? Deadpool
Follow Rob’s adventures on Instagram here and check out my other interview series with inspirational creatives here.
